Two years ago Alesha Dixon lost her record contract after her second single, 'Knockdown', stalled outside the top 40. Now, having endeared herself to the British public with her sparky performances on Strictly Come Dancing, she's ready for another crack at the charts. Impressed with her new single, the irresistible mambo-pop of 'The Boy Does Nothing', we hooked up with Alesha for a catch up.

What's 'The Boy Does Nothing' all about?
"Well, the title's very lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek. I don't really mean to offend boys! It's a fun, feelgood song that's playing around with guys rather than trying to attack them."

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Is it really true that if the man can't dance...
"... he gets no second chance. That's the harsh line, isn't it? I have to be honest, I do like a man who can dance, but it's not a deal-breaker. It's nice if they can dance, but if they can't we'll just have to work on other areas!"

A lot of people think it sounds like 'Mambo No.5'. Do you mind?
"No, it's absolutely fine by me. When I think of 'Mambo No. 5', I think of a song that makes everyone get up and dance every time it comes on. I hope this is a slightly cooler version though! I just wanted the first song I came out with to celebrate what happened to me on Strictly, and I feel this song represents that moment."

What chart position are you aiming for?
"Number one. My theory in life is you have to aim for the top. If you don't get there, it wasn't your destiny. But you have to believe you can do it and I certainly believe in myself as an artist. After I was dropped by Polydor, it took me a long time to get the strength to go back in the studio. The reason is I did is because I still have the passion for music. That passion was bigger than the worry about things going wrong."

Are you approaching things differently this time around?
"I am. When I got dropped, I was heartbroken, distraught. This time I feel like I've put a protection around myself and I'm stronger. I know it's a business and it's about selling records, but for the artist it's more personal than that and you put your soul into your album. I'm trying to be more practical about it while still putting my heart into everything I do."

How important was Strictly in relaunching your pop career?
"Well, I was half-way through making my album when I was offered Strictly. I was scared to say yes, because I was worried people in the music industry wouldn't take me seriously as an artist if I'd appeared on a reality show. I chose to do it because I was a fan, I wanted to learn how to dance and I wanted to do something fun. When Strictly was over, I picked up where I left off with the album and it was fantastic. I felt like I was in a stronger position and I'd opened up a whole new audience."

Is it strange seeing Matthew, your Strictly partner, dancing with Christine Bleakley this year?
"Yes and no. At first I had to adjust my eyes a bit, because when I look at Matthew I expect to see myself at the end of his arms! But now I've met Christine I have to say she and Matthew are a fantastic match. Matthew has a different sort of relationship with Christine, but I think they're a good team because they both have gentle souls."

Who's impressed you on this year's show?
"Rachel Stevens is looking really good technically, but I've warmed to John Sergeant because I'm drawn in to his spirit and the songs he chooses. It's not just about the dancing for me, it's about the energy the couples give off. I have a feeling Matt and Christine will go very far - she has the Irish vote, so you never know, she could win it."

Alesha Dixon releases 'The Boy Does Nothing' on November 3. Her album, The Alesha Show, follows on November 17.